Poll numbers show weight loss paradox among Americans
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(Measuring waist image courtesy of Shutterstock.com)
Folks loosening their belts a notch or so after the Thanksgiving feast may be considering cutting back — at least until upcoming Christmas, New Year or Super Bowl get-togethers. We connect with Frank Newport, editor in chief of the Gallup Poll, about Americans’ perceptions of weight loss.
Newport says the Thanksgiving paradox — 51 percent of Americans would like to lose weight, but only 36 percent of them consider themselves overweight, however only 25 percent are actually trying to lose weight — sums up the secret to the multi-billion-dollar weight loss industry.
Still, obesity ranks only third among the most pressing health problems facing the country, according to Americans polled.
Americans’ views of the impact of the Affordable Care Act on their lives and on healthcare in the country are still negative, though they have leveled off. Gallup found a 15-point gap between those who approve and disapprove of the healthcare law.
Finally, a new update on this Black Friday: The percentage of Americans who report they will likely do their Christmas shopping online continues to rise, but traditional department and discount stores remain Americans’ most popular places to do holiday shopping this year.
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